ABOUT:
Three stone and gypsy rings are timeless staples to the antique jewelry collector. This is a unique one with the heavy 18k gold setting displaying a hammered texture. This distinctive band has the gorgeous glow of the pink cabochon ruby at the center, flanked by two chunky old mine cut diamonds. Wide footprint on the finger - this would make a rad pinky ring.
Found in Paris with French hallmark for 18k gold. The gold has a delicious patina in addition to the wonderful texture, where it is rosy on the raised areas and buttery yellow in the recesses - the sought after patina not to be found on modern gold.
The gypsy ring was incredibly popular during the Victorian era into the early 1900s and its timeless design remains an ever favored and wearable choice for today. This ring is substantial enough to wear alone but also layers well with other pieces.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
The ring fits at about a size 4. I couldn't get an exact measurement because it has two ball rivets in gold soldered to the back inside of the shank. The purpose of these can be for sizing, or arthritic fingers, but also as is likely the case with this ring – it is to provide weight and a hold at the base of the finger, so it doesn't spin sideways while wearing. It can easily be removed by any jeweler, and especially if the buyer plans to have the piece sized.
This sturdy piece would be a candidate for sizing, but best to discuss with your local jeweler who would be doing the work, to see how far they would feel comfortable in sizing (sometimes you can email or text them photos for feedback). Usually they say within 2 sizes is a good guide and they often times make the shank more oval to accommodate sizing without bending the ring face as much.
The ruby measures 6.3 by 5.3mm oval with a nice domed top. The diamonds are each about 3.5 to 4mm totaling just under half a carat.
The ring face is 9mm north south and stands 4.2mm off the finger to the top of the ruby.
The ring weight is a sturdy 9.1 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The ruby moves and "clicks" when you tap or aggressively shake the ring but it is held well in the setting.
Natural inclusions to the ruby with some surface scratches and nicks but a gorgeous glow and color.
Typical antique diamonds, one has some carbon needle inclusions seen under magnification and some frosty inclusions that are slightly eye visible along with a frosty unpolished facet (which is not damage but just how the stone was hand cut and polished). The other has a nibble to the girdle edge which is seen under magnification but tucked into the bezel, along with a small indented natural inclusion on one edge again right up against the bezel. These old mine cuts have very large culets.
There is a little notch in the inside rim of the gold at the back of the shank, probably from a testing (it wasn't me!)
There are no dark spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because the gold reflects its surroundings. Please also note that I take some photos / videos in the sunshine because it captures the lovely color and sparkle, but it also highlights any surface wear, scratches, abrasions, buildup or inclusions that can catch the light, making these things appear worse than they would with normal day to day wear. : ) Hopefully the pics in all lightning conditions help as they serve as part of the description.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : ) There are no dark spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny and mirrored that it reflects its surroundings including the green trees out the window.
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
Thanks so much for looking at my items!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).
Box#oc.!042
